Break time

Help your dad win some delicious steaks!

With Father’s Day right around the corner, we wanted to take a moment to honor all of the fathers and father figures in our lives.

I don’t know about you, but most of my favorite memories involve my dad and now that I’m older, and somewhat wiser, I’m finally realizing that I may not have been the easiest person to put up with (thanks Dad!).

So we want to help you celebrate this Father’s Day.

Simply leave a comment below giving us a a specific story on how your dad or father figure helped teach you an important lesson.

Our panel of judges will pick a winner and we will send your dad a package from Omaha Steaks on your behalf. We’ll write whatever you want us to write in the card (keep it G rated!) so it will look like the package came directly from you.

It’s a win-win. Your dad gets delicious food to grill…and you may get to help eat it! Don’t worry, if your dad is a vegetarian we will change the prize to accommodate.

We will notify the winner on the morning of June 11. We must hear back from you by 4:00 pm Eastern Standard Time that day to ensure your dad will get his gift in time for Father’s Day.

Kim is a job-search coach for Snagajob! She's a Certified Professional Resume Writer and a Certified Employment Interview Professional. When she's not helping with job searches, she can be found hanging with her hubby, Matt, and puppy, Belle.

Discussion

Hands down the most important thing my father has taught me would be that your not giving your full 100% unless you put all your mind, body, and spirit into what your trying to accomplish in life, even if it’s as simple as riding a bike to wanting to be in the Navy. + laughter is the most important medicine.

My dad Dwight huff senior is actually my step-dad, but he taught me that being blood does not matter. He showed me that just because you are not blood does not mean your family. He is getting married to my mom and he cares for me and my two brothers like we were his actual children. He treats us with respect, he helps us when we need help, he does little things everyday to show he loves us. I have 14 siblings which I used to say they were all half and step, but after him showing me that blood doesnt matter: I have started saying the same things and put that in my life today, and I tell it to everyone I know, so maaybe they will not be the way I used to be.

My dad didn’t have the best childhood. At age 11, his mom developed melanoma, and very shortly after discovering it, she passed away. His dad remarried, but the new mom was more of an “evil stepmother” than anything. Not very close with his dad and lacking the mom he deserved, my dad could’ve given up then and there. Luckily, he did not. My dad worked his butt off everyday from age 11 and continues to today. He was forced to grow up and take on roles no 11 year old should ever have to. He once held 7 jobs at once when he was a teen. Some of these included dishwasher, lawn mower, coach, and referee. 7 jobs, plus school, friends, family, and loads more to worry about… Most people would have collapsed. My dad then joined the army, where he grew quickly in rank and stayed for 17 years. Today, my dad is a very successful man, and what he has taught me is that I have everything I need to be successful. He’s taught me any situation has a positive outlook, and that your best can always be better. I can only hope to one day be as successful as he his.

All of my life, my dad has taught me to work hard and push through tough times. My family has been through enormous financial struggles, and my dad has gotten multiple surgeries in the last six years. A few to fix a broken ankle, and multiple stomach/hernia surgeries. Even though some activities may be harder for him, thank goodness he is still normally functional, and pushed through the pain. He taught me that you can’t just sit around and wait for things to happen. You have to get up and make them happen, no matter what the situation. One night when I was 7, he took me to my elementary school and taught me how to climb the tire playground because I was scared of it, and was having trouble making friends. To this day, he is so supportive, and has taught me to pursue my passions. For me, it’s singing and acting. He has traveled with me to interviews and auditions, and last summer, he encountered a composer who needed a singer, which resulted in me singing at IMTA at the Hilton in NYC. He pushes me to practice and work hard, because I’ll admit it, young adults like me do need that extra push sometimes. There’s no doubt, I got my work ethic from my dad.

My daughter can’t write this but I’m speaking for her. My husband and I adopted my granddaughter 3 1/2 yrs ago.He was her step grandfather. She is 7yrs old and we took her in when she was 1yr and 2 weeks old. She cried a lot when she first came to live with us, sometimes for seemingly no reason but he could always calm her down, he loved her unconditionally from the beginning. Later she was diagnosed with autism. He has always been her rock, he is the only Daddy she’s ever known. He brags to everyone he meets about his little miracle girl. He will be 60yrs old in Oct. but he works hard at a job he hates just to provide for us so I can stay home with her. He couldn’t be a better Dad!

In April, 2010 my dad, the anchor of our very large extended and nuclear family, felt funny and his speech started to slur. He was having a stroke at age 56, and things were about to take a drastic turn in our lives. Each day in the hospital and during rehab, my dad fought back to regain movement, speech, be able to drive and get back to the positive level of functioning that he is at today. My younger sister, in high school at the time, and I sat with him and he learned to regard us not only as his beloved daughters, but capable and willing assistant. I took a leave from my job, and we worked together every day to take c/o of his meetings, clear his calendar, talk with his business colleagues and convey professional and personal messages. Those 11 days were the most scary, but fulfilling time of our dad & daughter(s) relationship. Dad was temporarily down for the count, but still trying to be strong for us, and overcome serious medical issues. He had neuropathy so the corner of his mouth dropped but he smiled the best he could and made people feel appreciated for their encouragement, visits and phone calls (and there were many!), even if he told them weeks later when his rehab progressed. You could tell he had a strong faith and stayed focused on his next goal. He is the oldest of 9 children and has always been a leader, whether he wanted to be or not. He has always loved us, been kind & respectful to everyone, stepped up, pumped others up and remained tenacious when the cards were stacked against him (in life and in a spirited game with his best friends-his brothers). He has been the kind of Dad, son, brother, uncle, business colleague and friend you would want in life.

In April, 2010 we go the startling news that our dad had a stroke. He was only 56 years old and had always been the anchor of our nuclear and large, loving extended family. Dad fought back through medical, speech, physical and emotional challenges that most of us hope to never know. He smiles his crooked smile and made others appreciated when they visited him or called. He met every goal his medical team set for him, and typically earlier than expected. I took a leave from work, and my sister, in high school at the time, sat with him everyday at the hospital or rehab unit taking dictation on memos, answering e-mails & phone calls at his direction as timely as possible, contacting colleagues and taking care of meetings in his place. We began to understand the complicated business world he managed so capably before the stroke. We laughed, we cried, we figured things out through sign language and “Pictionary” and we saw his strong faith and deep respect and appreciation for people firsthand. Today, he is working, not at full speed for his typical style, but still being a leader. He taught us tenacity, especially when the cards seemed stacked against us. He has always tried to be the best father, husband, son, brother, uncle, business colleague and friend and for that we thank him profoundly.

My dad died 22 years ago, and after that my brother Lenny stepped up to the plate and helped us all out. He has always been there when I needed someone to talk to, he even stepped in when my sister got married, he practiced all the way up the isle “Her mother and I”, we still laugh about that. Her gave me a place to stay for my son and I when we moved to Oregon from Calif. to away from the crime there. He helped me find a job, find a place to live, just to basically start over. We are still so close and we try to spend as much time together as possible. He even hangs out with my son , because I am a single mom. He was kinda the father figure for my son sometimes also. He has 2 kids of his own and they think the world of him. He goes out of his way all the time to help the neighbors with their kids, or just whatever anyone needs. He is Very Patient, which in this world now is a very hard thing to be. I Love Him, and Respect everything he does for me and everyone else in his life!

My dad had probably one of the most diffcult paths growing up. He lost his dad at an early age, while being in an Asian culture he was the oldest, so became the “head” of the house and had to take on responsibilities that he barely knew. After a few more years he was drafted into the Vietnam War, where he fought during most of his teens, and during that time he was caught and become a P.O.W. After most of the war he was able to head to America where his life was still a difficult path. My dad persevere and sticked with family throughout his life even when I had to stay in the hospital for 16 days, while working hard each day. By looking back and him telling me these stories he has taught me, subjectively, that this world is a difficult path. Knowing that it is a difficult path, perservering through even the toughest times and sticking to your family you can have a great life smiling each day.

SLATTERY IS NOT MY DAD BUT HE HAS BEEN THE MALE FIGURE IN MY LIFE FOR THEE LAST 12 YEARS. AT FIRST I DIDN’T TRUST HIM WITH MY MOM THEN HE GREW ON MY, THE BIGGEST GIFT JAMES HAS GIVEN ME IS YOU CAN BE A FRIEND AND A FATHER FIGURE WHEN IT’S NEEDED. TO SOMEONE WHO GREW UP WITHOUT A FATHER FIGURE TRUST IN SOMEONE IS VERY HARD AT TIMES. BUT NOT WITH JAMES, THAT’S WHY I’M SENDING THIS TO YOU.

MY DAD IS THE MOST WONDERFUL LOVING PERSON YOU WILL KNOW. HE IS THERE FOR ME . I CALL HIM AND TALK TO HIM. HE IS SO CONCERN ABOUT ME AND HE IS VERY LOVING FATHER. HE ALWAYS WANTS TO KNOW WHAT I HAVE BEEN UP TO AND WHAT AM I DOING WITH MY LIFE. HE IS VERY INCOURAGING AND VERY INSPIRE TOO. HE IS MY DAD AND I LOVE HIM AND MISS HIM VERY MUCH. WE TALK OCASSIONLY ON THE PHONE. I KEEP HIM UP TO DATE WHAT I AM DOING AND WHAT IS GOING ON WITH MY LIFE. MY DAD DESERVES THE BEST.. HE IS VEGETARIAN. HE EATS A LOT OF VEGETABLES. AND SOME MEAT. THAT IS HEALTHY FOR HIM
I MISS HIM SO MUCH.. I CALL HIM WHEN I CAN…
I AM PROUD TO HAVE A DAD LIKE HIM… DAWN ALFONSO IN DELRAY BEACH, FLORIDA

My nephew deserves to be Father of the Year(s). He wasn’t a bad child growing up, but things happen and you get with the wrong crowd. He now has 3 children, and he does everything possible to make sure they know that he loves them very much. A few years back, he got into some trouble, and he has learned his lesson from that, because it is really hard now for him to gain employment. He really has no place of his own to live and he stays with his mom in a one bedroom place where he doesn’t even have his own bed. He has really turned his life around and tries so hard to gain employment, but it’s like no one wants to give him a chance. I think that everyone deserves a second chance in life. He spends so much time with his kids during the week, playing ball, and whatever you can get involved with them, and his sons are very athletic. When you see him, his kids are with him. He gets them on the weekend, and even though he doesn’t even have his own place to take them too, he goes to his moms (1 bedroom), and makes a way for them. He is trying so hard to do the right thing, and he really deserves a break. I have told him that God knows his heart, and not to give up, because someone is going to give him that break that he needs. I don’t want him to give up, and I Pray that things will begin to change for him, so that he will be able to get his life back on track. I think that a gift like this will let him see that we know what he’s going through and that good things do happen to and for good people. This might just be a little something, but with all the love he shows his kids, I just want to show him that there is a lot of love out there for him too. If he won something like this, I know that the first thing he would say is “boys we are going to eat good today”. God is good, and I know that there is a bright side somewhere for my nephew.

The greatest thing that my Dad ever did was introduce me to Jesus Christ from there I looked to him for answers about life but my dad would always lead me back to the Bible God’s Word. He would tell me that I shouldn’t always believe what everyone would say including himself unless it alined up with the Bible. I have learned to find true peace and forgiveness of all my sins in Jesus all because my dad allowed God to work through him to share Christ Jesus with me.

Amen! Praise the Lord. My Jewish Dad accepted Christ as his personal Savoir.
My brother, a outreach minister, preached to my Dad and Mom in fact and they both
accepted Jesus Christ into their hearts as their personal savior. Amen.
To me, my Dad is the best Dad in the world. He is up in Heaven now and I do see him
and my mother frequetly in visions and dreams. I am a true believer myself and I do
believe in God and that Jesus is Lord, and that my parents are still alive in Heaven.

My daddy isn’t the phenomenal alligator wrestler or world traveler or famous anything so don’t expect an amazing story that will change your life. My dad basically gives my family & I the steps we need to succeed. My dad ran off once he graduated high school to a different state & lived off a piece of bread a day. While surviving he learned so many life skills. He has also had the same job for the past 15 years & is at a boss position, he stands next to the owner in rank. He always looks on the positive side too. My dad will always be the man in our entire family since the rock of the whole family, my grandpa passed away with a stroke in 06. He’s never turned a person down and is always lending a helping hand. Even though we are breaking even financially he always willing to help our family and even friends with their needs. Our house has also homed 12 people because they needed a place to stay. All these things teach me to always help those in need and always look on the bright side of things. They might now seem good now but wait a while & you’ll see how far you’ve gotten. He’s also taught me to always keep a smile on my face because you never know who needs incouragement from those around. Lastly, he taught me to just be humble. Always stay grounded and never get caught up in the world. I love my dad. He’s everything to me. He’s always there to share some advice & give a smile.

This is such an awesome pleasure to sit here and write about the wonderful memories in my life that are shared and cherished between me and my Dad !!! My Dad has ALWAYS been here and supported all my decisions that I made in my life whether it is my professional career or my personal life. While I was growing up, I had a very social life with the Girl Scouts and every year Dad and I would place the cases of Girl Scout Cookies in the push cart and walk up and down the neighborhood streets and knock on every door and sell 1000 or better boxes of cookies in quote the mailmans status of RAIN OR SNOW we sold the cookies.. The one year we sold 2000 boxes and I won a trip on the Arco Go Patrol Helicopter & got to talk to the DJ Jeff Fox on air while flying… Another wonderful memory is while I was going to High School Dad would drive me in while he was on his way to work everyday & we would grab a donut and hot chocolate..so Dad and I still always tease about our everyday breakfast we made a tradition of. When I got old enough I got to join the church bowling team and then that became a major Father/Daughter tradition for us also.. And also on a serious medical note a few years ago my dad had to get a pacemaker for his heart then 2 years ago I had to get a defib/pacemaker for my heart–so now dad and I joke about our pacemakers– his has 2 wires and mine has 3 wires !! Now recently we have another major Father/daughter tradition– my dad joined the Masonic Lodge with my husband and I. This is also one of the most wonderful traditions that my dad and I could be involved with together!! I am so proud of my Dad and how he stuck by my side all my life .. I Love My Dad Very Much

Good afternoon sir or madam. The following is a comment(s) about my father:
Today, 8.3 million American households with children under 18 don't have a father [in Canada today, over 1.13 million households with children don't have a father], leaving the mothers to search for admirable role models for their sons. Finding the right one becomes crucial when we remember that good fathers reflect God's love toward His children.
If we could assemble the perfect father figure, what would we see?
Big heart (my dad’s)
No matter their age, all boys need affection. But male love looks different from female love. Male love is active and physical; it plays ball and roughhouses; it encourages with a slap on the back and defends when necessary.
As a preschooler, my mother, a mother of 3 became ill with chronic arthritis. I was the oldest, but was very young at age. During his work hours, he left for work and came out very tired working in the hot Texas sun. When he returned, he would tend to me and my smaller brother and sister. He would tend to my mother as well. What an example of a great father God has given me.My father would always take us under his wing, he always taught us all the importance of traits of good fathers - to protect those you love.
“Open arms”
While sports and other activities are great, sometimes guys just need to hang out together, but my father would be very busy tending to my sick mother. At the same time, he would have some energy to play with us..

Gentle, firm voice
Boys need clear boundaries. And while mothers can go a long way in socializing their sons, boys learn best how to be good disciplinarians when fathers demonstrate self-control as they dole out punishment, and to be responsible and caring to name a few.
These are just a few characteristics of being a great, caring, and example of a great father.

Well my dad has taught me much in my life, Im 26 yrs old and a dad myself, but thanks to JESUS my dad saved my life when I was 4 yrs of age I drowned and He brought me back. My Dad taught me the value of being honest and NOT to steal. He also taught me how someone elses life matters more than yours, when I was ten years old my dads best freind came over with his wife and another friend. My dads bestfriend was very drunk and was passed out outside of our apartment, when somehow he got up and ran towards the freeway which was like 100 feet away give or take. When his wife noticed he was almost there she ran after him, instinctively my dad ran after her to help and stop her from running on the freeway herself, when she got there it was too late he had been run down. She was hysterical and told my dad to save him so my dad got the courage and ran in the middle of the freeway on a friday night at around 10:00 PM, he later realized his friend was gone and was on the freeway, he told me two semi trucks passed by him by on each side. That was one of the bravest things he had ever done, my dad was a navy man and is a hardworking person, my dad taught me the value of working hard when I started to work with him in construction. My dad also showed me what is to be a good man and a good dad for my son. Personally I can only hope to ever be half the man my dad is, but I thank the Awesome LORD JESUS CHRIST for his life in raising me the right way… – L1

My father has always taught me selflessness and the ability to put others before myself. A few years ago, my dad’s sister was in the hospital dying of breast cancer with only a few days left with her family. I could see that my dad was hurting even though he always did his best to hide that from us. He went and spent the majority of the day with his sister for the last time. My siblings and I were at home all day giving my dad his alone time with his sister. When he came home that night, almost in tears it seemed, he walked up to me and said, “I’m so sorry that I’ve been gone all day and wasn’t here to make you food”. All I could think was here is my dad who has lost his only sister and he is apologizing to me for being with her. He has always put his kids first, doing everything in his power to provide for us. I hope to be even half the parent he has been to me.

My dad came from a family that didn’t show emotions much, rather a broken family. On the other hand my mom came from a tight and always showing love type of family. My dad has taught me all through life several lessons from money managment to buying my first home. My dad has always been private about his feelings and emotions but what he did when my mom passed away will stay in my heart forever. My mom passed away this Jan 2013 and when I went back home to spread my mom’s ashes with my family, my dad did his best to ease my pain and grievingl. In Mississippi, there is a flea market that happens twice a year in Canton. It is a big well known flea market in the south and it is known and a tradition that all mothers and daughters to go together for the day. My mom and I were supposed to go but didn’t get the chance. My dad mentioned it was going to be on one of the days I was going to be home. I told him I don’t have a mom anymore, and my dad said”, I know it won’t be the same but I will take you to the flea market. I know that my dad didn’t want to be around a bunch of women, shopping at all the tents but he was a trooper. He let me take my time, help me pick out stuff for my new house. It was a great way for us to bond esp, after my mom passing away. That will always be a memorable day for me, my dad taking me to the Canton flea market.

My Dad passed away 30 years ago but he was the best. I have a lot of childhood memories. From working hard all week to playing on weekends. But it’s my son who I am so proud of. He reminds me of my Dad in many ways. He has a 10 year old daughter that he’s very proud of. Education is important, values and a being good person. He is a single Dad right now but soon to be married in August. He will be marrying a nice girl with 3 children of her own. He is now is watching everything he eats to look good on this big day. And yes steak is on the top of the list. On weekends he takes all 4 children and does something with them from feeding the ducks at a park to going to Darien Lake on the rides, all by himself! If there grades are good they get to choose where to go for a special lunch. You can not find many Dads that would be so involved with children from another father that is not in there life. My hat is off to him. I am so proud of him and many other Dads that stepped in to help raise children that are not blood related. Please pick my son so he can have he’s steak and eat it too!!

My Dad is a honorable man he was in the navy also a police officer. He has always taught us what was the right thing to do even having five kids I am sure it wasn’t easy for him or my mother. Now that we are older everything he has told us we understand why he did and said all the things he did. He is my hero, he will be 67 years old this year. We r so proud of him he is a roper, true cowboy and loves his horses. No matter what we’ve done he has always been their for all of us. We love you Dad. Happy Father’s Day!!!
Happy Father’s Day to all the father’s.

I would love to be writing this for my dad because he was by far the most amazing man I’ve ever known. Sadly he died 16 years ago this September, and I miss him dearly. I am writing this about another remarkable man in my life, my boyfriend Craig Boyer. Craig came into my life at a most difficult and trying time for me he stood by me and accepted the responsibility of fathering 3 children not his own. 12 year old twins a boy and girl and a 6 month old baby girl who has known no other father than him. The baby has grown quite a bit and will be 3 the end of next month, she adores him as he does her. The twins now going on 15 have had their ups and downs with him and they try his patience however this past weekend my son got into some trouble and his punishment was to go work all day with Craig. It started out a power struggle but ended on a positive note. Craig told my son ” you may hate me now but one day you will thank me” My sons reply was “I’m thanking you now.” I almost cried when he told me that. He is a wonderful father and I really want him to know how much he’s appreciated and how much of a difference he’s made in their lives. He’s always saying how he’s not very good at this whole dad thing, I wish he knew how good he really is at it.

My husband is a great father figure for my granddaughter. Due to circumstances my granddaughter came to live with us when she was 9 months old. She just turned 9 years old. He has been her foundation in her life since the day she came to live with us. Due to circumstances beyond his control, he wasn’t able to be apart of his own daughter’s life. So it has been a unique and fun experience for both of them. He has taken the “father” role and is raising her as his own and she calls him Papa. For a man to come into my life and a few years later, to have a baby just thrown into the mix, we have had to make adjustments. But he is taking it all in and enjoying the ride. It isn’t all a bowl of cherries, because they are both headstrong, but the love they share is very tangible. I wouldn’t trade a moment of it in for anything.

Daren pressey, I didn.t get to meet my father until i was graduating from high school ,after searching asking my mother about my roots were i could find my father mother at ,she finly told me i put on some nice dress attire tie white shirt slacks dress shoes ,I decided to make my way to her home knocked on her door one sunday morning she open the door i enter duce myself she asked me to come in i did her and her husband were about to sit down and have dinner ,to myself i was like wow that fresh bread was getting me hungry i told her that she was my grandmother she was shocked she told me hold up got on the phone called someone asked for my father hung up the phone and right away took me to him when we got there he was in a state of shock we kicked the gabb a little he never new i was born . the one thing i know that before he passed away me being the young mani was i had no bad feeling about that i was just glad i got to meet him before the cancer took him away ,a meet family and tell him i love him he couldn,t figure out why but i told him God,s makes things the way they are sometime to test to see if you will be angry for thing you have no control over have faith i did thank God it could have been worse.ps thank you and i hope this touches someones heart .God bless!!

Daren pressey, I didn.t get to meet my father until i was graduating from high school ,after searching asking my mother about my roots were i could find my father mother at ,she finly told me i put on some nice dress attire tie white shirt slacks dress shoes ,I decided to make my way to her home knocked on her door one sunday morning she open the door i enter duce myself she asked me to come in i did her and her husband were about to sit down and have dinner ,to myself i was like wow that fresh bread was getting me hungry i told her that she was my grandmother she was shocked she told me hold up got on the phone called someone asked for my father hung up the phone and right away took me to him when we got there he was in a state of shock we kicked the gabb a little he never new i was born . the one thing i know that before he passed away me being the young mani was i had no bad feeling about that i was just glad i got to meet him before the cancer took him away ,a meet family and tell him i love him he couldn,t figure out why but i told him God,s makes things the way they are sometime to test to see if you will be angry for thing you have no control over have faith i did thank God it could have been worse.ps thank you and i hope this touches someones heart .God bless!! he died 2002

My dad is very dear to my heart as he always has been. He has always and still is a very hard worker, remembering him on call when I was very little leaving in the middle of the night to work on big tractor trucks. He worked so hard and quiet often on them that he would change the tires in his sleep, when he got sleep. He’s the greatest dad ever!! He’s a very outgoing man, super personality . I’ve never heard anyone say one bad thing about my father to this day and am 44 years old. Thou I am woman today, as a child I was a tomboy, he taught me how to play basketball, softball he never let me win either, but I never wanted him too.I did eventually start winning on my own. He taught me respect for myself and other people, I didn’t have to be perfect just do the best you can at whatever you do no matter if you win or lose.he took me fishing and frog gigging, he taught me everything. To me spending that time with my dad was everything to me, we made so many memories and they were all good. He took me to all my sport games which their wasn’t a sport I didn’t play all through my school Yeats that he didn’t cheer me on. The most important thing he taught me was that it didn’t matter what other people had or didn’t have, it was what was on the inside that counts no matter what. I could go on and on about my father, what wonderful man and father he is and always has been to this day but am afraid theirs not enough paper in the world to tell you all the great things my dad has given and taught me, doesn’t give him justice! I love you with all my heart dad! Happy fathers day dad to Roy Overholser, Sir. With all my love your daughter, Susie

My dad is very stong willed, but fair. Although I did not listen very much to him, I now know some of those short cuts (advice) would have benefited me. I’m now twenty-five, still at home but because both my parent s have been between jobs and my some of my careless judgement have not helped us financially. He has given so much to me even when he say’s this is the LAST TIME!! I pledge to do what ever is my power and give to him not just for Father’s Day but JUST BECAUSE he is so great and worthy to be PRAISED. I’M JUST GLAD IT HASN’T TAKEN ME TO LONG OR TO LATE TO TELL HIM I LOVE YOU DAD AND THE MOST SUPPORTIVE FATHER. He likes cooking and competing with his brothers on recipes, so this will be a great moment to win and have the all the males over on their day. Just one more thing, I use to think as a small child he didn’t love me or maybe I wasn’t his, but the master gave me the most deserving FATHER in the world. Thak you

I was five when my father taught me how to ride a horse but that wasn’t the most important thing he did. He taught me that a bond between a father and child can never be broken. I had lost contact with my father when he went off to Vietnam but I heard that he was in Salt Lake City, Utah. So, I called directory assistance and asked for “Stephen King” (honestly). There were three. I picked ONE. It was the right one and I was on a plane that weekend. Since then, I got a phone call from him and his first words were, “Do you need me?” . I had just been thinking of him! Things like that happen all the time to let me know we are on the same wavelength. Through time and distance, the bond will always be there.

My Dad was far from perfect. I could give him blanket labels now to create an image for you, the reader. I could say that Dad was a smart, highly motivated man, who built a very lucrative business from nothing but his own efforts. He was known for repeating lectures to the point of me giving them numbers. “Lecture number 321, Work SMART, not HARD” I’d joke. I could also create the image of the abusive alcoholic. I used to think that alcoholism was something to be ashamed of. My “smart” work of study taught me that alcoholism is a disease. While there is never an excuse for abusive behavior, I have forgave him for the bad memories. Although I was not interested or ready to learn from him how to manage a business, I was always ready to listen to what came from his heart. I know my father would not approve of my choice of being a psycho-therapist, and chuckle when I have regrets of this career choice. I can thank my dad for lecture number #271 “You know, I used to hate it when my dad lectured me. But you know what ? Every time I did not listen to him, he turned out to be right!” Touche’ Dad, Touche’. My dad always said he liked to live vicariously through his children. I am sure he would smile in heaven as me and the family enjoyed a steak dinner in his honor. Thanks for letting me share.

My Dad was a colorful man. I did not learn ONE valuable lesson from him, I learned 464. He “lectured” so much that I began to assign numbers to each one of his “lessons”. #213 The Squeaky Wheel Gets the oil. #122 Prejudice Begins and Ends with a Dollar Bill. #75 Always Butter Your Bread.
My Favorite- “Work Smart, NOT Hard”.
Dad would begin one of his lectures and sense my frustration then he would give me lesson #1 “I used to hate it when my Dad would tell me how to do things. I would think I knew better, and you know what I found out? He was right!” Touche’ Dad, Touche’

I have a blog post entitled “Father’s Day Without Fathers.” My dad, the most important person in my life died eleven years ago. You might want to be a little more sensitive to these situations. I know I’m not going to be giving him the steaks if I win, but it doesn’t matter. He still deserves the acknowledgment of a wonderful father, a nurturing, warm and supportive Dad. So, with my eyes bleary with tears, and my voice quivering in what we call my “shaky voice” I nominate you, Dad for the best father you could be to my sister and me. I will love you always.

My husband is the best daddy in the world and
The best husband ever! He is a very hard worker
And strives everyday to provide for his family!
After his long day at work, he comes home to
Help our 2 kids with homework, do laundry,
And cook for us. He does it all! We
Appreciate him more than he knows and
He deserves something to show him how much
We love and thank god for him everyday!

Growing up without a father since his first day in the world ,My dad has had it rough. Life in his shoes was no walk in the park and is only getting worse.His mother,back in Acapulco, now has heart cancer and hasnt see him in over 5 years . Just the other day my dad broke down in font of my brother and i, he told us how lonely he feels. With his mom in Mexico,no father figure,his brother in Texas and his side of the family on Chino Hills and Victorville ,I wouldn’t blame him. My father always takes any opportunity talk to my brother (11)and I(18) about life. He takes interest in our lives which is a bit hard ,considering that we only see him every other weekend due to my parents’ divorce . However, my dad has taught me some very important lessons bit the most significant lesson he taught me about is the rule of thumb: FAMILY FIRST ,NO MATTER HOW SCREWED UP SOMEONE IS WE STICK TOGETHER BECAUSE IN THE END FAMILY WILL BE THERE FOR YOU.

My Dad taught me that whether a child is your biological child or not; LOVE, QUALITY TIME AND GENUINE CONCERN can make a significant difference in the well-being of that child – all the way to adulthood. My mother met Tom Gabbert in 1976, when I was 13, my brother 12, my sister 11 & baby sister 10. For 37 years, he has been there for us. He’s changed flat tires at 3AM, he’s witnessed the birth of 10 grandchildren, he’s co-signed for each of our first cars, he babysits his grandchildren and sometimes his great grandchildren. He loves us unconditionally and has always referred to us as HIS children. He didn’t have to be -he CHOSE to be our DAD!!! I LOVE MY DAD!!!!!

First of all I am married to a wonderful man and dad to his children, But he is not the one I want to tell you about. I just married into this family 3 months ago, 6 months ago I met a amazing loving caring man, He is my father in law and my husbands Daddy (actually step father). This man took on 4 children that was not his, and he had one of his own, my husband is the youngest. My husband was just turning one when Lou McCullough stepped up to be their dad, I had stories told to me that my husband would not eat his dinner till Lou came home and sat down to eat his and Mike sat on his lap. This man is the most precious soft hearted and loving man I ever met, He took me into his home, where my husband and him live together and told me this is your home you are the woman of this house do as you like change what you like and I love you! I have never met anyone like him other then the man he raised and that is my husband! I hope you honor this man for me, He asked nothing from no one and gives all to everyone. He is 75 years old and I have never seen the phone ring and him not go out the door to help another, He loves his god, his children and grandchildren and great grandchildren with a love I have never seen unconditional. He never hangs up or leaves the house or get up in the morning or goes to bed without a I love you from him. He taught his children to love with all they have and our, And never be afraid just cause you are a man to hug your grown boys and my husband has 4 boys and 6 grandchildren. Please pic Lou McCullough on this fathers day! I love him!

Unfortunately, my dad died years ago. But my time with him was the greatest. I learned so much from my dad. He taught me how to repair automobiles and to be self-sufficient. He showed me that family is family no matter what. He taught me to love with all my heart and to do my very best no matter what. Now, that i am grown. I have loved a man for nine years that in many ways reminds me of my dad. Guy gives his all to his family, especially his children. He mentors young men whom have turned to the streets. He teaches them that they can be productive members of society. He also, gives guidance to those in need of leadership. I am very lucky to have such a man in my life. Even though, I miss my father. It’s hard sometimes to believe that my dad has been dead almost 30 years. The pain will never fade. So cherish that man in your life. Whether, he is a dad, step-dad, brother, uncle, etc. Anyone that is taking the time to listen, give positive feedback and truly shows love.

My father taught me every lesson in life that can be learned, or so i thought, he continues to teach me everyday even though i am now 29 years old, I am still learning from him,I can say the most important lesson he taught me is that lessons are never done being taught. Everyday we make mistakes and everyday we learn from them, I have noticed it more in the past 8 years that i have been a mom and he has been a grandfather we both continue to learn, he has been involved with Boy Scouts his whole life and now has me involved, and seeing how much he teaches the young kids and how much time he dedicates to make sure just a few more youths have a chance at become a greater person than they thought they could be makes me feel so proud of him and them, and I know i will carry on the lessons and the dedication he gives to everyone, everyday when he is no longer here to share them, they will not be forgotten, so that just maybe every couple of years we can keep putting a handful of better adults into the world!!!!!!!!!! Thanks you always Dad, and I love you.

Hello I want to introduce you to my father, Donald Poling who just turned 80 years young. My dad grew up on a farm and his family was very poor and lived in a small town in Michigan. His father ran off and left the family when he was a young teen. His Grandmother lived with them and was ill and did not have much medical insurance. She later died and my dad and his brother had to pay for her funeral. Then my Dads house burned down and the family lost everything. They had nothing left and the family had to go live with friends that would take them in. My father went to live with his best friend a neighboring farm family. Dad and best friend helped farm and ran a milk route to help his elderly mother that was not in good health. About a year later my dad lost his best friend that he lived with to a brain tumor. My dad was very sad. WOW talk about a tough few years for a teenager. My dad got married and things were going fairly well for a year or so until my dad got very sick and ended up in the Hospital at 23 and darn near died of Nephrtis, a Kidney disease. The doctors told my dad that he had sperm damage from the high fever and other physical results of the disease and he would never be able to have children. That was an upset for my father because he dreamed of having a family. While he was sick in the hospita, l his wife was cheating on him and after several months recovering from this serious illness he was served with divorce papers….Talk about another emotional time. Well my dad overcame that loss and continued on trying to rebuild his life and began working in a machine shop , It was at that factory that my dad became friends with my grandfather and eventually met his daughter, who became my mother! Soon after their wedding my mother found out that the impossible had occurred and she was pregnant with me. They had made history. My father was the first man who had fathered a child after being so close to death with a kidney disease. Dad was thrilled…Then about a month before I was to be born my mother fell down the stairs and their was no more heartbeat and no movement of the baby in her womb. They were very sad and the doctor gave them little hope that I was alive. My mother went into a long labor and when the doctor finally came to the waiting room he screamed. Don shes alive… YOU HAVE a BABY Girl!!! My Dad was overwhelmed with JOY and he knew that God had given him two special blessings: first letting him live and now become a father. My dad was always the BEST!!! Patient, attentive, calm an nurturing, fun, hardworking, and always a man after God. He instilled wonderful habits, people skills, and the determination to keep going after what you desire. My dad is retired and he is still helping his community and his friends that are widowed or disabled. Dad your Actions go along with your Words!!! I love you. Your daughter Susan

To whomever it may be concerned,
My name is Jessica, and I’m 17 years old. My Dad is one of my best friends, and I don’t know where I’d be in life without him. My mom is usually gone to work when I wake up and doesn’t get home until 6 or 7 at night, so it’s always my Dad that gets me up in the mornings, took me to school when I missed the bus, and now that I can drive, meets me for lunch after school, regardless of his busy schedule. He’s a farmer, but when he’s not out working in the corn fields, he manages a local pool, mows the church yard, and is the president of the local crime stoppers and a community service club. Yet, somehow, he still finds the time to come to all my band concerts, watch me march at every football game, and support the sports teams that I manage.
His life has been far from easy, and it brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it, because he an amazing person. He didn’t deserve all that he was handed, but he never gave up , and always came out with a smile on his face.
When I was in 5th grade, he was the president of three different local organizations, was still farming, and was helping the softball team I was on. He went in for a routine doctors appointment and they found he was anemic. They said that because he was diabetic, there was no reason for him to be anemic, so wanting to check for ulcers, he had an endoscopy. He remembers being woken up momentarily after the procedure and hearing “We found a tumor. We don’t know what it is, but we found a tumor.”
He was diagnosed with stage two borderline stage three esophageal cancer. By some miracle, they caught it in time, and after being in the hospital for eleven days (I stayed at my Grandma’s house and slept with a pair of his socks every night) because he had his entire esophagus removed, and months full of chemo and radiation, he resumed his normal life. I could tell he had changed though, and he loves to talk to people that have just been diagnosed, giving them a consoling word.
Last year, my band director and biggest role model was diagnosed with cancer for the second time, and a week before he was supposed to return to school, he took his life. The day after he passed away, we learned that my dad was going to have to have open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve.
He’s now a seven year cancer survivor, and we just passed the one year mark of his heart surgery a few months ago.
Throughout everything, he and his trials have really taught me that no matter how hard you have it, there will always been someone else that has it worse than you. That point was definitely emphasized when my best friend lost her dad to cancer last month. That lesson is really the reason I volunteer as much as I do. I’ve also realized how resilient we all are, as we’ve made it through two major illnesses in the past seven years and we’re even stronger than we were when we started.
For my senior project last semester, I had a benefit concert, and raised $847 for the cancer center my dad was treated at. The money went to help pay for the housing and food of patients that have to unexpectedly stay at the hospital.
That will forever be one of my biggest accomplishments in life, and it was all inspired by my dad.
He is truly the strongest person I know, and I love him more than words can say. I’m starting college in a few months (graduating this Saturday!) and I can’t see where this crazy journey called life takes us in the future!
Thank you so much for reading this, I apologize for letting it get so long. Thank you for considering my entry!

My dad was a volunteer fire fighter before i was born. He has always been a hero to me. I love hearing his stories about how he saved many people’s lives. I will never forget the times and stories we share. He is always there for me and gives me awesome advice. He is one of the coolest dads out there. Well every good story has to have a bad part to it. Well a few years ago my dad has been diagnosed with brain cancer. He has been taking medications that make him not himself. He is doing treatments to get the lumps removed. I don’t simply care to win this contest i just want to share a story about my dad who has made a difference in my life and showed me to never give up. Keep him in your thoughts as he fights through these tough times. Happy fathers day dad! You really deserve this day!

My father has repeatedly taught me valuable life lessons throughout the past twenty-five years. When I was in high school, he taught me the importance of being involved. He supported me in all of my extra-curricular activities, and would organize fun activities with my school. It was because of my dad that my high school rented out a theater at the end of fall semester to see the Lord of the Rings movies! What a fun tradition! And it all happened because my dad had the initiative to get it together. He also showed me how important it is to retain a child-like enthusiasm for the things you love. He was always a Lord of the Rings fan growing up, and he still isn’t afraid to have fun with it! All of my friends thought he was the coolest dad because he chose to really love life. This year, he taught me another important lesson. At about 5:00 pm on March 31, my older sister called home to tell my parents that she was being transferred to the hospital for an emergency operation; they had discovered a mass in her brain after she had received an MRI, prompted by a 15 day headache. While my mother was crying and talking on the phone with my sister, my father immediately found two tickets for a flight out of Portland to Arizona, where my sister lived. My parents quickly packed their bags and drove off the airport to catch the 6:20 pm flight to Phoenix. I was amazed. My father did not hesitate to do what he needed to support my sister. I was even more comforted knowing that my father loved her like she was his own daughter; he had adopted her when he married my divorcee mother. I didn’t even know she wasn’t my full-sister until I was 13 because he sincerely loved her as one of his children.

To make a long story short, I can’t pick out one instance where my dad has taught me an important lesson because the truth is that he is always teaching me with his wonderful example of service, kindness, love, and support.

To whom it may concern,
my father has told me and showed me someone that can over come personal obstacles. One of his saying was we make our own choices in life. When he tells me this I know he is coming from experience. When me and my siblings were younger he did not treat my mother right but something changed him when I was about 8 and he treated her right I mean they did have their arguments like most couples but they made the best of it for us kids. He realized I believe he has 3 daughters and even told me and admitted a man daughter is his princess and the man she ends up with will treat her like his queen. He always there for me and my other siblings. He took us on vacations he also did took me and my sisters to buy or girly items and if we needed any he wasn’t ashamed. He also there for my brothers even as most of us are in our thirties we know we can count on him because that is his choice. with his advice on we make our choice I have learned not blame others when I am wrong when I am at fault I will admit it I also learned I don’t need to lie or hide who I am because it is my choice that make me who I am. I am one proud Daddy’s girl. My father is my best friend. HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL THE DADS

My dad taught me the value of a good education. He only went to the 6th grade because he had to drop out of school and get a job to help his family out. He was born in 1949 and back then a lot of children quit school to help their families survive. When I came alone in 1962, things had changed but not much but one thing that was consistent in our household of 10 children was education. Although my dad could barely read or write, he made sure we had encyclopedias, dictionaries, and anything else needed to help us study and it paid off. I just really miss my dad, he passed from lung cancer on 9/29/01.

My dad wow how can I explain my dad he is a wonderful man he started to be in the Army to fight for his country but instead in bootcamp got hid eye knocked out by a branch no matter if that happen or not i still honor my father because he at least tried to fight for what he loves this country. Even over that though he is still a great father he has helped me and my three siblings grow up to be fine men and women in his eyes we are his kids

My Dad raised 4 daughters and one son pretty much by himself. My mother was out of the picture when the youngest girls were 2 & 4 years old. I helped raise them when I was 13. Anyhow, no matter how tough it was on him, raising us, trying to clothe us, go to school programs, feed us and work 12 hours a day-he usually had a smile for us at the end of the day. He taught me that no matter how bad you feel, there’s “Always a bright side”, and that when you feel like you’ve hit rock bottom, “You can only go up from here”. As I got older, I realized a lot of what he’s given us. The ability to accomplish anything we want. The ability to find the sunny-side of any situation, no matter how bad it may seem. My Dad is my Hero, and I am lucky enough that he’s My Dad.

Well unlike the previous comments my father has not been a person to look up to. In most cases he would be the guy you feels sorry for but never really do anything to help him. He used to be a volunteer fireman and was a very loved man by most of the people in our small town. My father messed up everything with his gambling addiction so my mother left him but they never told me why since i was little and didn’t know what addiction was. He has worked hard all his life and he is a good man but he is now homeless after my grandparents passed away and his siblings sold the house where they had been staying with them at. He still gambles, thinking that he will hit the jackpot and everything will be right in his life, but he has taught me one very valuable lesson. Hard work does not pay off, luck will not get you what you desire from life, and no amount of family and friends will be enough since they all have their breaking point. To succeed in life it take a combination of all three. Its ironic that he taught me this lesson but cannot abide by it himself… I love my father but without some percussive maintenance i do not believe he will ever change.
-G

My Pop is the best! He did not grow up with his Dad so he made sure he was the best he could be, and he did great! He spent time with us daily no matter how crazy life was and he was always there for my brother and I. He is a General Contractor and worked very hard to be successful and I am very proud of him. What I learned from him is that hard work will make you successful financially , but strong family values will make you happier than all the money in the world and I love him so much for that!!!

My dad really taught me how to make something out of nothing and enjoy the small things. I grew up very poor and we didn’t have much but he was very creative with what we did have, often making over leftovers 3 times so we didn’t have to eat the same thing twice. Planning “vacations” to camp in the backyard. And making us toys and forts our of cardboard boxes and household items. I thank him for that now because those little tips really help in this economy and with having a new baby.

When I saw this article I had to put something up about the man that my children call their father. There are a lot of fathers out there that have had children, but few that you can say is a true DADDY!!! His name is Sherron S. He is the best dad I have seen. He is a wonderful father to his son and a great Daddy to his three daughters. Its nothing that he will not do for us!!! Whether he is tired or busy he always find time to be there for us. He is always giving up things for us, like his rest time, his birthday, or even fathers day. He finds it more important that we are happy. I believe Sherron S. should win this contest because last fathers day we was not able to do much for him and we feel he deserves so much more. Please grate this great Father, this great opportunity to win this contest. It will really uplift his spirits. Thank you so much

read this article regarding Fathers Day, I had to post something in regards to the Father I believe should win this contest. He has not only been a Father to his own but a Father to many. He is always giving up his time for who ever needs him. He gives up everything for him self to make sure his children are well taking care of. Whenever we call him no matter what he is doing, he makes a way to get to us. He is a positive role model to many who calls him dad, from the clients he has mentor to young men looking for someone to just be in their corner. He is a wonderful man, person and especially Dad!!! I remember last Christmas, he didn’t have a lot of money but he still made sure he worked around the clock to provide a special Christmas to his children. He provides, mentors, cooks, cleans, drives, counsels, and still finds time to sit down and do movie night or what ever the kids what to do. He is a great dad and I feel he deserves to win this contest. We love him so much and want to put a smile on his face. Please help us!!!

My Father~he was always there for me no matter what, and I could not let him down for no reason or another. Such as he stood by my side for every and anything. Such as me going through a Divorce he was there, he stopped what he was doing to be by myside and I can’t forget him for that I know when he was my fall back guy when I need a ear to talk too, he was there to listen. So last year I went through a really rough patch in my life was kicked out of two places that I lived at and my father said to me “I can’t trust you” it took me back so far I was angry with him but now I am trying to reconnect with him and he still will not talk to me so it is taking my every being to try my best to say to him “Dad, I still and always will Love you no matter what. You are the Best Father atleast in my eyes Happy Fathers Day!!!

when i was 15 my mother died of cancer, she and my father had broken up years before and I primarily lived with her. while she was not the best of mothers she always had mean things to say about me. she would tell me to my face that i was fat and ugly and that no one would ever love me, My dad on the other hand was exactly the opposite, he tought me that it didnt matter what other people though of you even if it was your own mother, what matters most is what you think of yourself! he was my constant mentor and advisor as i was going through my adolesent years. even now as an adult i turn to him for everything. i know that there are a lot of great dads out there but my dad… he is something special

My dad has been the one person to love me unconditionally. He made sure to teach me how to drive, grill, fish and so on so I could grow up to be an independent lady. Independence is the most valuable lesson he has taught me along with his amazingly kind heart that I inherited. If this were to win I would be making the steaks for him.

My father gave up his entire life for me. When I was seven I was kidnapped… the person who took me made me believe my dad just gave me up. For nine years I lived a false life, but just three years ago, at 15 years old, I was finally reunited with my dad. I got to meet my little brother and my little sister for the first time. I felt that I had been there the whole time. My dad almost died during the time I was gone, but he told me he refused to give up before his babygirl came home. Now I’ve never been more happy. My dad is my role model and my best friend. I love him and respect him with everything I have. <3

My name is Raymond Rezendes and I am a father of 5. I love my children very much and want with all my heart to ensure that they live a happy, fulfilling life. It is because of them that I have grown into the man that I am today. When my first child was born I had it in my mind that I would do whatever it takes to see them grow up the way that I thought was suffice…that thinking led me to prison. I was just recently released from prison which led me to realize alot of things. One of the most important things that I learned that nothing can compare to waking up to the smiling faces of my children. There was a saying that I would say in the past “I will die for my children”, now, because of my life altering experiences I have a new concept on life “I want to live for my children”. There is nothing that I would not do for them and that includes changing my thinking, behaviors and lifestyle…and it is all because of my children- they are my inspiration/motivation to be the father that I am striving to be!!!!!

My name is Helen C Jones, and I am a pastor’s wife. We never had children of our own, but my husband is a wonderful example of a Father figure for all the men at our church. He is God fearing, a gifted teacher of the Word of God with a mission “To Teach God’s People How to be Like Christ” and lives a principle centered life. Kingdom Principles is what he teaches. God has blessed my husband with unlimited faith and he is an example of what God says of what a father should be like. He is a provider and he teaches the men at our church what it means to be a father in the eyes of God. He is confident in his call as a man of God and I am blessed to have to be married to such a fine man for over 25+ years.

I am now twenty 7 years ago my dad was in an horrible accident where he is now disabled and unable to work threw the years he has taught me that even though your life might take a drastic turn for the worse if you push threw it and stay positive you will be okay. Threw this hole thing it has shown me how important family is i had almost lost him 7 years ago. Now i have given him two grandkids a boy and girl and when they are around he pushes threw his pain to do everything with them. My dad has taught me how to be a strong person. He is an amazing man with everything he has been threw he is one person i know i can always turn to.

I picked you from heaven, because your strong and kind.
You make me feel loved, and that’s hard to find.
Your laughter’s contagious, and your happy spirit glows.
You are something very special and everybody knows.
I’ve always been proud of you Dad, even though at times
you’ve been pretty bad.
You’ve always told me everything and some you should
of not.
That makes me feel special, I love you a lot.
You lived on the edge, taken some risks.
Walked tall building, fell and broke your wrist.
A rebel you ride, on your Harley you fly.
I’ve always believed you have an angel nearby.

My dad may not be the best example to go by, but he has always loved me.
He is true blue, staying at his fathers side when he passed away, and did the same for his wife of 15yrs. He spends two hours every night with his 89yr old mother. I would say teaching me to love and respect my family is the best thing he’s taught me. I love you
Dad.

My dad is the best not only cuz hes my step dad but becuz i never had any father figure in my life until he came in my moms life 4yrs ago. at first i wasnt to sure about him cuz i didnt know no better but he showed me what a dad is suppose to do and showed me what a family is all about. he has 3 kids of his own and now besides my 2 sisters i now have 2 brothers and 1 sister and there all a part of my family. my dad might not make millions but he does what he can to take care of us and provide for us and for that im thankful for him comin into my life and being my dad!!!!! i love u dad and happy fathers day!!!!